Read More
The Hong Kong government has proposed to the Central Government further enhancements on Mainland residents' tourism visit endorsements to Hong Kong and has facilitated visa applications for visitors from ASEAN countries, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
The proposal includes resuming the "multiple-entry" Individual Visit Endorsements for Shenzhen residents and expanding the coverage of pilot cities for implementing policies on the "one trip per week" Individual Visit Endorsements, Lee said.
The Central Government has advised that relevant departments are studying the expedited implementation of the proposal proactively.
The government also aims to foster closer ties with ASEAN countries, Lee added.
He highlighted that the government will relax the criteria for nationals of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar applying for multiple-entry visas for travel and business, extending the validity period of multiple-entry visas from two years to three years, starting today.
The arrangement also applies to Vietnamese, who have benefited from the relaxation of the visa policy since last year.
Additionally, the government will expedite the processing of visa applications from group visitors of ASEAN countries submitted via local travel agents under a fast-track arrangement.
Lee added that a self-service immigration clearance will be provided for invited persons participating in business, development and related activities from the 10 ASEAN countries, as well as one-stop handling of their applications for self-service immigration clearance and visa through a dedicated desk.
Various bureaus will provide assistance in drawing up the list. Effective today, the requirement for visitors to furnish an arrival or departure card is canceled, facilitating a faster and more convenient immigration clearance.
